Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile provides a unique combination of beauty and durability. Its hard nonporous surface is naturally durable and elegant. It is practical, long wearing and stylish.

With a history that dates back to ancient civilizations, ceramic tile flooring can be found in a wide variety of residential and commercial settings, including homes, apartment buildings, schools, government buildings and churches.

History
The history of tiles dates back as far as the fourth millennium BCE where in Egypt tiles were used as decorations in homes. In those early times, clay bricks were dried beneath the sun or baked. The first glazes were made from copper and were blue in color. Through the centuries, the methods of tile manufacture and decoration were improved upon continually. The tile mosaics of Spain and Portugal, the floor tiles of Renaissance Italy and the ceramic tiles of Germany are all included in the history of ceramic tile. The widespread use of ceramics was due, in part, to the fact that a readily available natural material, clay, could be made by a simple manufacturing process, baking or firing, into a very durable, long-lasting and attractive flooring product that was easy to maintain.

Versatility
In the early days, tiles were individually handmade and hand-painted. Consequently, each tile was a work of art. For the most part, ceramic tile today is neither handmade nor hand-painted. Automated manufacturing techniques are used and the human hand does not enter into the picture until it is time to install the tile. As in the past, ceramic tile is still used indoors as well as outdoors. It can be found on floors, walls, counters, fireplaces, fountains, and exterior building walls.

Choices
Ceramic tile choices offer an endless versatility of colored glazes and decoration. They range from solid color earth tones to highly decorated individual tiles and elaborately patterned designs. Ceramic is an enduring product that instantly increases the value of any home or business in which it is used. Be sure to see the wide selection of colors, styles and patterns available at Big Bob's